Illinois State Police
News Release

Thanksgiving Holiday Fatalities

Press Release Date:
November 24, 1999
|| Archived October 7, 2002

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Twenty-three people lost their lives as a result of 23 fatal crashes on Illinois roadways over the Thanksgiving holiday, according to provisional figures released today by the Illinois State Police. This matches the total of 23 highway deaths last Thanksgiving, and is below the seven-year average of 26 deaths.

State police officers issued nearly 17,000 citations and written warnings over the five-day period, including more than 6,000 speeding citations. Troopers also made 111 DUI arrests, issued 274 alcohol-related citations, and ticketed 1,700 individuals for seat belt and child restraint violations.